With the global rise in dementia cases, creating a safe, comfortable, and supportive home environment is essential. This blog explores designing a dementia-friendly bedroom, focusing on furniture choices and strategies that improve safety, visibility, and recognition. A dementia-friendly bedroom design plays a crucial role in effective home care. Beyond a sleeping space, it serves as a sanctuary tailored to cognitive and sensory needs. Thoughtful design in the bedroom can greatly improve safety, enhance sleep quality, uplift mood, and support overall well-being.
Designing a dementia-friendly bedroom is critical in a home care environment because it addresses the specific needs of people with dementia. This includes difficulties such as memory loss, confusion, decreased spatial awareness, and altered sleep patterns. Understanding its significance is key:
Dementia frequently impairs balance and spatial perception, which raises the risk of falls and injury. Designing a bedroom with safety in mind reduces dangers and ensures that the person with dementia can move around comfortably. Features such as nonslip flooring, stable furniture, and clear passageways can reduce the probability of falls and other mishaps.
Dementia patients frequently experience sleep disturbances due to changes in their circadian rhythms and brain function. A dementia-friendly bedroom, complete with suitable lighting and a soothing setting, can help regulate sleep patterns.
Disorientation is an extremely common symptom of dementia. Simple design details, such as clear labelling and personalising, can assist users in determining the purpose of the place and navigating it more readily. This promotes a sense of independence in dementia patients, which is critical for their dignity and self-esteem.
4. Reduced Anxiety and Agitation
A well-designed dementia-friendly bedroom can create a sense of familiarity and calm, reducing the likelihood of anxiety and agitation. By incorporating familiar objects and a consistent layout, the person with dementia can feel more secure and less confused.
Designing a dementia-friendly bedroom requires thoughtful attention to detail. Here are some practical strategies and tips to enhance safety, visibility, and comfort:
Sturdy and Stable: Choose furniture that is robust and features rounded corners to minimise the risk of injuries. Steer clear of pieces with wheels or casters to prevent instability.
Comfortable and Supportive Bed: Choose a bed that is easy to get in and out of, ideally adjustable in height. A bed rail may be beneficial for preventing falls, but it should be used with caution to avoid causing a feeling of being trapped.
Accessible Storage: Opt for dressers and wardrobes that are within easy reach, neither too high nor too low. Label the drawers clearly with both text and pictures to simplify finding items.
Armchairs and Seating: A comfortable armchair with robust arms can greatly aid in standing up and sitting down. It's important to have the seat at the right height to prevent any strain.
Natural Light: Maximise natural light during the day to help control sleep and wake cycles. Use light, airy curtains that allow sunlight to filter through without glare.
Task Lighting: Use focused lighting for specific tasks, like reading or dressing. This can include bedside lamps with touch controls, which are easier to operate than traditional switches.
Night Lights: Install night lights along the floor or use motion-sensor lighting to illuminate pathways and reduce disorientation during nighttime trips to the bathroom.
Avoid Mirrors, Glare and Shadows: Ensure lighting is even throughout the room to minimise shadows and reflections, which can be confusing or alarming for someone with dementia. When designing a dementia-friendly bedroom, opt for matte finishes on walls and furniture to reduce glare.
Contrasting Colors: Use contrasting colours between walls, floors, and furniture to help the person identify between different surfaces. For example, choose a light-coloured floor with dark furniture, or vice versa.
Avoid Busy Patterns: Patterns on walls or flooring can be visually confusing. Stick to solid colours or subtle patterns that don’t overwhelm the senses.
Highlight Key Features: Use colour to highlight important features, such as the edge of the bed, the bathroom door, or the handle of a drawer.
Non-Slip Flooring: Incorporate non-slip materials in flooring to reduce the risk of falls. Steer clear of rugs or mats that may lead to tripping.
Soft, Safe Surfaces: Carpeting can provide a softer landing in case of a fall, but it should be firmly attached and free from folds or edges that could trip the dementia patient.
Consistent Flooring: Maintaining consistent flooring across a room, and ideally throughout the entire home, can prevent visual barriers that might lead to hesitation or confusion.
Personal Items: Decorate the room with familiar objects like photographs, favourite books, and memorabilia to provide comfort and a sense of identity.
Labels and Signage: Clearly label doors, drawers, and important items with both text and images. This can help the dementia patient to navigate the room independently and reduce confusion.
Familiar Layout: Arrange furniture and belongings in a way that is familiar to the person with dementia. Avoid frequent changes to the room layout, as this can cause distress.
Safety and Hygiene: Ensure all unused electrical outlets are safely covered. Get installed a camera system and a smart screen system to check their welfare. Get incontinent sheets to prevent any mess from accidents.
Neutral, Soothing Colors: Use calming colours like soft blues, greens, or earth tones for walls and bedding. These colours can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Minimal Clutter: Keep the room tidy and free from unnecessary items. Clutter can be overwhelming and may pose a safety hazard.
Sensory Considerations: Consider the sensory preferences of the individual. Some people with dementia may be soothed by soft textures or gentle music, while others may find strong scents or noises distressing.
Close Proximity: If possible, ensure the bathroom is adjacent to the bedroom and easily accessible.
Clear Pathway: Keep the pathway to the bathroom clear and well-lit, especially at night. Use contrasting colours to differentiate the bathroom door from the walls.
Assistive Devices: Consider installing grab bars and using a raised toilet seat to aid in independence and safety.
Dementia-friendly furniture is crucial for improving the quality of life for individuals with cognitive impairments. As dementia advances, it impairs the ability to safely move around and identify common objects. That's why furniture tailored to their unique needs can greatly enhance their quality of life.
Why It’s Important:
Dementia-friendly furniture promotes safety, reduces anxiety, and encourages independence. It naturally prevents common risks such as falls, confusion, and agitation by being intuitive and easy to use. It also helps create a familiar and comfortable environment, which is essential for minimising distress.
Best Suggestions: When selecting furniture, opt for pieces with rounded edges to minimize injury risks, ensure surfaces are stable and non-slip to prevent falls and choose designs with armrests to aid in standing and sitting. Utilize memory aids such as labels on cupboards, keep frequently used items like jewellery visible, and consider avoiding mirrors to help individuals follow their routines without confusion.
Safety and Security:
Materials should be durable and easy to clean. Avoid furniture with sharp edges or complex mechanisms that could cause confusion or harm.
Colors:
Opt for contrasting colours to differentiate between furniture and surroundings. For example, chairs with brightly coloured seats and neutral legs are more visible. Avoid overly bright or reflective surfaces, which can cause distress.
Designing a dementia-friendly bedroom is a critical component of effective home care for individuals living with dementia. By incorporating dementia-friendly bedroom furniture, optimizing lighting, and paying attention to safety and comfort, caregivers can create a supportive and nurturing environment. This not only enhances the person’s quality of life but also provides peace of mind for caregivers, knowing that their loved one is in a safe and familiar space. With thoughtful design and a focus on the individual’s unique needs, a dementia-friendly bedroom can be a true haven, fostering well-being, independence, and dignity.
In recent years, smart technology has made significant steps in improving the quality of life for people living with dementia and their caregivers. By integrating smart devices and systems into the design of a dementia-friendly bedroom, caregivers can provide a safer, more comfortable, and supportive environment. These smart technologies can help manage various challenges associated with dementia, such as disorientation, memory loss, and sleep disturbances, while also promoting independence and reducing caregiver burden. Here’s a closer look at how smart technology can enhance a dementia-friendly bedroom:
Discover practical and creative ideas that will transform your home into a dementia-friendly environment. From simple modifications to thoughtful design choices, these strategies will not only enhance safety and ease navigation but also promote a sense of familiarity and well-being. Imagine your loved ones effortlessly moving around the house, feeling secure and at ease in their surroundings.
With our expert carer’s tips, you can achieve just that. Whether it's optimizing lighting, decluttering spaces, or implementing memory aids, we've got you covered. By making your home dementia-friendly, you'll create a supportive environment that promotes independence, reduces confusion, and enhances the quality of life for dementia patients.
So, if you're ready to make a positive difference in the lives of your loved ones, read on and discover our practical and creative ideas to transform your home into a dementia-friendly environment.
Creating a safe and comfortable environment for individuals with dementia is crucial for promoting their independence, mobility, and overall well-being. From choosing the right colours to arranging furniture logically, every decision can significantly impact someone's life. Let this process inspire and motivate you as you strive to design a home that is truly dementia-friendly.
When designing a dementia-friendly home, it's essential to consider the unique challenges faced by those with the condition. Safety is paramount, and certain modifications can help prevent accidents and reduce confusion. Simple adjustments, such as removing tripping hazards, installing grab bars in bathrooms, and labelling drawers and cabinets, can make a significant difference.
Another key aspect of a dementia-friendly home is creating a calm and organized environment. This can be achieved by reducing clutter, using familiar and neutral colours, and incorporating memory aids, such as whiteboards or digital reminder systems like smart speaker devices. Most importantly, acting early is key, as familiarity can fade with dementia care. Here are some cost-effective ideas to make your home dementia friendly:
Clear Pathways - Rearrange furniture and use contrasting colours for floors and walls.
Simple Layout - less confusing, simple layout to minimise the distraction of furniture and decorations.
Comfortable spaces - arrange a calm and comfortable area with familiar items, photos, books, and easy-to-use remort control for the TV.
Safety Measures - Remove rugs and carpets; instead, use non-slip mats. Install grab rails in the bathroom and hallway.
Labels and Signage - is required to label the whole house; use photos if that helps. What is this, what is inside, and how to use it, i.e., kitchen, bathroom, living room?
Lighting - Promote natural light and ensure good lighting all around the house.
Memory Aids - use memos or whiteboards, and if possible, use digital reminders such as Google and Alexa.
Modern Technology - Get assistance with smart home technology to improve daily living. Get smart cameras, lights, and speakers installed. Make certain that the installation will not be a source of distraction.
The above suggestions vary for individuals with dementia. So they might be required to tailor it to suit their specific preferences and requirements.
Find below tonnes of practical tips that we have found on the field on how to create a dementia-friendly home environment.
Note. In extreme cases, non-thesis guidance or solutions may not be helpful for your loved one, so apologies in advance.
Declutter the area - re-arrange loose-laying area rugs and carpets, footstools and loose electrical cables that could be tripping hazards.
Change the furniture around to create a clear path to walk in the house.
If required get assistive furniture like Recliner, Adult high chair and table. And make sure to leave the main chair near a window.
If required put signs and labels around the house
Picture frames with names to recognize the loved ones
Digital picture frames and Google or Amazon Alexa screens could be set up to show pictures, time AM/PM, and a full calendar.
For digital reminders, use Alexa or Google
Motion detect camera - a handy tool to find their well-being.
One of the most important rooms in the house, make sure to declutter and free from any sharp or obstructions.
Remove rugs and carpets to prevent falls
Solar-blocked or black-out curtains to help to sleep
Contrasting colour bedding
Bedside lamp, night lamp with touch operated if possible
Make sure to have plenty of incontinent sheets for the bed to prevent a mess from an accident
If possible hang or lay out the clothing for the next day
We advise colouring the room in a non-reflective contrasting colour.
Popular Dementia friendly colours are Yellow, Mustard and Orange
Avoid shiny colours
High contrast floor boarding or single colour carpets. Try to avoid patterns, which might trigger tripping or falling.
Avoid mats, rugs and carpets
Contrast the flooring colour with the walls
Avoid Green and Blue colours, which might be confused with real things such as grass and water
High contrast one-coloured door, which helps to identify the locks,
bars and hooks. If possible, stick a photo and the name of the person.
The most popular are no-door wardrobes, it is easy to recognise the clothes and where they are.
High contrast colours stand out with the wall colours and floor colours. Make sure Blankets, Duvets, and Pillows stand out with others too.
Laying incontinent mats under the top sheet is very useful
Easy-to-operate bedside lamp
Natural light drops make them more restless and agitated, lighting in the environment may help to subsist better with Sundowning syndrome. We recommend Smart lighting systems or lamps with timer switches.
Motion detect lighting system or smart lighting system and Motion detect lighting in the bathroom
People with Dementia have deteriorating vision, hence their awareness could be challenging. Which could cause confusion and falls. To prevent any accidents follow the below guide.
Contrasting coloured bathrooms, avoid shining colours.
Avoid the colours that reflect back due to sunlight
Motion detect lighting system
Comfort height commode and contrasting colour toilet seat
Install grab rails (suction grab rails)
Non-slip shower tray
Door signs say "Bathroom" and "Exit"
Signage for Bath, Hot water, Cold water, Sink, Commord, Flush, Shower, etc.